Our Sweet 16 Preview

Anthony Davis with his eye on the prize.

Syracuse vs. Wisconsin
I think this is the one team in the bracket Cuse did not want to see.  Wisoncsin shoots the 3 just as well as anybody in the country and we all know that's one thing a zone defense can give up.  Wisconsin is also rumored to start playing a zone defense to force the Orange to shoot the 3.  It seems that whoever makes the most 3's will win this game. 
Prediction: Wisconsin wins 67-62

Cincinnati vs. Ohio State
The key matchup in this game revolves around Yancy Gates vs. Jared Sullinger.  Gates has been underrated this season, but he hasn't faced a guy who works as hard as Sullinger does.  Sullinger has a big game while Craft, Buford, and the underrated Deshaun Thomas all score in double-digits.
Prediction: Ohio State wins 71-61

North Carolina vs. Ohio
Ohio's run ends here.  D.J. Cooper is a great guard and was one of my players to watch throughout the tournament.  If Ohio has any chance, he must dominate this game.  Carolina was my pick to win it all this season and I don't see the road endng here.  Their frontcourt is too big and just too talented for Ohio.  Carolina wins big even if Marshall does not play.
Prediction: North Carolina wins 77- 62

Kansas vs. North Carolina State
Kansas showed a ton of heart at the end of the Purdue game.  They trailed throughout the whole game, but never faltered.  The intensity on Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor's faces showed me all I need to know about this group.  Not only do they love to win, but they hate to lose, a danegous combination.  CJ Leslie and Richard Howell must dominate the inside for NC State to have a chance.  I've been doubting NC State all year and may still be in some way.  However, I believe this game will be closer than expected.
Prediction: Kansas wins 73-70

Marquette vs. Florida
In my opinion, this is the game to watch of the 8 games.  If you like run and gun offense, this game will not dissapoint.  Florida has domianted this tournament so far, but have been tested very little.  They gave Kentucky a scare in the SEC tournament, which may have been the best game they played all year.  Bradley Beal has really come into his own and along with Patric Young, this team can be very good.  Marquette is lead by Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder.  Crowder is the X-Factor in this game because if a big man guards him, he'll shoot the three, but if a guard guards him, he'll take him into the low post.  If Crowder dominates, Marquette wins.
Prediction: Marquette wins 82-76

Michigan State vs. Louisville
Michigan State has been quietly one of the great teams this year.  Something about Tom Izzo and March just makes sense.  His teams always perform in March and this year is no different.  Sparty will look to slow this game down agasinst the Pitino Press.  If they are successful, Louisville does not stand a chance.  While I love Chane Behanan inside, him and Gorgui Dieng will have their hands full with Draymond Green, Derrick Nix, and Adreian Payne. 
Prediction: Michigan State wins 69-57

Xavier vs. Baylor
Xavier is about to zip Baylor up this game.  Xavier seems to be on a magical run with Tu Holloway finally playing like he had before that fight with the Bearcats.  Kenny Frease has also shown some spark playing inferior oppenents down low.  Frease vs. Quincy Acy will be the matchup to watch in this game.  For Baylor, it all depends on which Perry Jones III will show up.  He may be the most inconsistent player in the history of the NCAA who is always described as a lottery pick.
Prediction: Xavier wins 66-59

Kentucky vs. Indiana
The Sequel will end differently than the first matchup. Anthony Davis barely played in that first meeting due to foul trouble and scored only 6 points.  Terrance Jones only scored 4 points and had 6 turnovers in that game as well.  Davis and Jones will not let that happen again.  Indiana loves playing in Bloomington and will not have their home crowd to feed off the time.
Prediction: Kentucky wins 83-65